Northwestern State equipment manager Phil Noah checks freshman linebacker Dannie Harmon’s helmet to make sure it is fitting properly. The Demons are also going to a color scheme they debuted last year and a new decal. From left are Harmon and Noah.

With the growing risk of concussions and other football related injuries, having the proper equipment is a must.

The Northwestern State Demons football team witnessed that firsthand as players received their gear Aug. 3 for the upcoming season.

“The biggest reason why we take extra time in fitting the players is that we want to make sure that they’re healthy, stay on the field and productive,” Phil Noah said. “If their equipment is not fit properly, then it could cause injury, especially with all the concussion-related issues and shoulder injuries. We want to make sure that we’re doing our job right the first time to keep the kids healthy.”

Noah is in his third season as NSU’s equipment manager and has held stints at Houston, Louisiana Tech and Nevada in the same capacity. A 2008 graduate of Missouri Valley College, Noah is a member of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association.

“With our new gear that’s in, the players are excited to get new stuff and I’m excited to give it to them,” Noah said. “We’re trying to get these kids ready to go so we can get ready for practice.”

Amongst the changes, the Demons will switch to a helmet color they introduced last year. Fans will get chance to see NSU perform with it in the home opener against the Southern Jaguars, but they will also notice a subtle update to the helmet decal.

“Last season, we actually changed to a flat purple helmet and we will also have a new decal on the helmet this season,” Noah said. “It’s a slight change from what we’ve done in the past, but it’s a new, fresh updated look. We’re excited to debut it when we play Southern at home.”

NSU kicks off its season Aug. 29 at Springfield, Mo. against Missouri State and will in will play the Jaguars Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. in Turpin Stadium for its home opener.

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